What should you know about new mum hair loss?

Pregnancy hormones can keep more hairs in the growing phase. After delivery, those hairs may shift together into a resting phase and shed noticeably during washing or brushing. This pattern is called Telogen Effluvium and usually produces diffuse thinning rather than sharply defined bald patches.

Sleep disruption, emotional strain, restricted eating, blood loss, thyroid problems, and low iron can also contribute to shedding. Other causes have different clues: Alopecia Areata may create smooth patches, Scalp Ringworm can cause scale and inflammation, and Traction Alopecia follows repeated pulling from tight styles.

Handle hair gently, use a wide-toothed comb, avoid tight braids or extensions, and reduce frequent heat or chemical treatments while the scalp is sensitive. Eat regular, varied meals and mention breastfeeding before taking supplements or starting a medicine.

Take photographs of the parting and hairline in similar light so gradual change is easier to recognise. A clinician can examine the scalp and, when appropriate, check for contributors such as thyroid or iron problems. Treatment depends on the pattern and the cause; do not self-start prescription hair medicines.

Arrange medical advice if loss forms round patches, the scalp is painful, scaly, red, or intensely itchy, eyelashes or eyebrows are affected, or the hairline is receding where styles pull. Seek assessment when shedding is severe, continues without improvement, or comes with fatigue, dizziness, weight change, or cold intolerance.

Ask whether the pattern fits Telogen Effluvium or another condition, whether blood tests could identify a contributing problem, and which treatments are compatible with breastfeeding. Discuss Female Pattern Hair Loss if the central part remains wider after shedding settles, and ask how to style hair without traction.